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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v08n05)
The Ribbon Salon and Spa offers support - By Mario Morone
by Mario Morone
posted: Mar. 04, 2011

Carolyn Smith described the mission of The Ribbon Salon and Spa (The Spa for a Cause), located at 6111 North College Avenue.

The Ribbon Salon and Spa offers support - By Mario Morone
Quan


"I've been in the beauty industry for 29 years as a nail technician. I opened the salon to help those who had different types of cancer. Five of my siblings were diagnosed with cancer and three of them have passed away. My sister-in-law's husband is the twin to my sister who passed away. Our salon and spa offers full service treatments (manicures, pedicures, skin care, massage, hair care, massage) for men and women, we've had some men who have been caregivers whose wives were clients and also men who are in treatment. In 2009, we decided to take on the adventure and write a business plan. My partner (and sister-in-law) Vicki Bryan has worked with me from the beginning. She helped with Ribbon's financial plan," Ms. Smith explained.
"On Mondays, we work for cancer patients and their caregivers. Generally, the caregivers receive services once a month. Other technicians from around the city work as volunteers here on Monday. The focus is on our Monday services as we use the 'Spa for a Cause' theme. Tuesday through Saturday, we operate as a (LLC) Limited Liability Corporation. We have received donations and in-kind sponsors from around Broad Ripple. Things are looking favorable for the 501c3 Not for Profit application that is in progress," she mentioned.

Amy Redmond, Laura (from IWIN), Carolyn Smith and Carolyn Seiger from The Ribbon Salon and Spa.
Amy Redmond, Laura (from IWIN), Carolyn Smith and Carolyn Seiger from The Ribbon Salon and Spa.
image courtesy of Amy Redmond


"We opened on Monday, July 26 on my sister's birthday. I looked at this location in September of 2009 and February of 2010 and signed the lease in May of 2010. Free parking is available in the back and on the street in front of the salon," she added.
An Indianapolis native, Ms. Smith's family traveled as she grew up. Her father served with U.S. Department of Defense. "When I was 10 years old, my family moved to Okinawa, Japan for two years and then lived in California for two years before moving to Seoul, South Korea for five years. We returned to the U.S. in 1980. I was born in Indianapolis and grew up in the Meridian-Kessler area," she recalled.
"When I lived here in Indianapolis, a co-worker at another spa where I worked was diagnosed with cancer. We held two fundraisers for her and had a tremendous outpouring of support. On Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we offer free services for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. To date, up to 300 guests have received the services on Mondays. Tuesday through Saturday, we're open for regular business. We refer to the Monday guests as our Ribbon guests. The Ribbon signifies those that are in treatment for any cancer," she emphasized.
Ribbon Salon and Spa hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. Inquiries can be answered at 253-2873 (CURE), by fax at 253-0969 or by e-mail at ribbonsalonandspa@gmail.com. You can also join their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ribbon-Salon-and-Spa/110164915690176
Local fine art photographer and cancer survivor Danielle Krapinski's work will be featured in the near future at Ribbon. She earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Ball State University with a concentration in photography. In addition to fine art, she also takes family, senior and engagement portraits. Her ongoing project, "Faces of Cancer," appears at krapinskiphotography.weebly.com. Ms. Krapinski's work can also be seen in the October issue of Indianapolis Woman magazine.
Ms. Smith mentioned additional future events. "We have an upcoming golf outing that is tentatively scheduled for June. We also plan to be involved with the Relay for Life. A Colts VIP tailgate was successful and we are also available for other fund raising, birthday parties and bachelorette parties. We've had those (events) in the past that have been successful. We are a member of the Broad Ripple Village Association and the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association," she mentioned.
Ribbon's staff includes Carolyn Sieger and Stephanie Romano. Ms. Sieger is an Indiana state licensed esthetician and specializes in full body waxing and skin care. "I use top of the line waxes and skin care products (Bioelements and PCA Skin). I truly enjoy what I do and am excited to help those going through their cancer treatment," Ms. Seiger explained. Ms. Romano has been a licensed cosmetologist for 12 years. "I've enjoyed doing hair in the Geist area until recently finding my new home at Ribbon. I am passionate about creating beautiful hair colors and styles, as well as helping others feel and look their best!" said Ms. Romano.
The Ribbon staff members include hair designer Jonathan Speer, nail technician Annie Perkins (along with Ms. Smith) and masseuses Teresa Gamble and Amy Fuller. They recently welcomed two new hair designers, Amy Redmond and D.J. Mincy.
Ribbon has appeared in the local media. "We've been featured on Fox 59 News last October on their 'Paying It Forward' segment that was a great opportunity to see the salon and spa services in action. We try to keep it a serene, intimate setting. One of our instructors is a cancer survivor and a Reiki Master who uses the Solfaggio tuning forks, using the vibrations of the tuning fork to release negative energy. It's a new age treatment, but it's really powerful. These are things that are complimentary to their doctor's care to provide solace to the client. She offers a spiritual connection to the guests," Ms. Smith said.
A support network built by The Ribbon guests makes a difference in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones. "The guests really appreciate and need these services. Going through cancer treatment is hard enough, but having an opportunity to have a place to receive healing and spa services seems to help them on their journey. The guests themselves have met other guests here and they're able to share their stories among themselves. (Ms. Smith has also played a supporting community role outside of The Ribbon as well). I participated in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer in a one-day walk, which was 23 miles. I also walked in the American Cancer Society Strides Against Breast Cancer. Our future endeavors are concentrating on ACS, Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, Pink Pajama Party and Cupcake Classic to celebrate more individual's birthdays with cupcakes," she noted.
Ribbon's participation in the Pink Pajama Party event in late February assisted women who have breast cancer. Five employees volunteered their services. The occasion took place at the Keystone at The Crossing Marriott with approximately 20 other vendors. IWIN (Indiana Women In Need) Foundation sponsored the event. Their website, www.iwinfoundation.org, "offers assistance needed to meet everyday personal and homecare needs." Their objective is to improve the quality of life for women with breast cancer. Questions can be answered by calling IWIN at 475-0565 or (866) 900-IWIN (4946).
Ms. Smith opened The Ribbon Salon and Spa in honor of her late sister, RuthAnn Bryan Arajuo Smith. A photograph and tribute to RuthAnn can be seen at Ribbon where her memory and spirit lives on.
As Indianapolis' Spa for a Cause, The Ribbon Salon and Spa's vision is "to support the journey of Ribbon patients by integrating and complementing medical care with doctor-supported alternative holistic therapies for mind, body and spirit." You can support their vision through a sponsorship or donation; learn more at www.ribbonsalon.com and by making a salon or spa appointment at their location in Broad Ripple Village.

The Ribbon Salon and Spa offers support - By Mario Morone
image courtesy of Mario Morone
Quan


The Ribbon Salon and Spa offers support - By Mario Morone
image courtesy of Mario Morone
Quan


The Ribbon Salon and Spa offers support - By Mario Morone
image courtesy of Mario Morone
Quan


The Ribbon Salon and Spa offers support - By Mario Morone
image courtesy of Mario Morone
Quan





mario@broadripplegazette.com
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